The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Blue Group met on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. at the Letcher Community Center. The 4-H members and families Christmas caroled around Letcher for about one hour before returning to the Community Center for their meeting and Christmas party. Members provided cookies and treats to be made into “goodie trays” for area families. 

The meeting was called to order by President Brady Larson. There were thirty-four youth in attendance. The pledges were led by Ashlee and Brody.  Roll call was  “your favorite thing about Christmas,” starting with the letter ‘A’ and continuing through the alphabet. No secretary’s report was available for the meeting. Payton gave the treasurer’s report. Janet and Roxanne were paid for bills that they had for Fire Safety and Thanksgiving. Delaney Zoss moved to approve the treasurer’s report; Teagan seconded the motion. Club Health Officer Bryce Larson provided tips on “How to stay healthy over the holidays.”  The safety officer’s tip was unavailable.

Committee reports: 

American Education week committee members, Cole and Kelly Wilson, reported on the popcorn and water that was purchased and provided to the Sanborn Central school teachers. 

Thanksgiving meal committee members, Teagen and Memphis Moody, Brady, Bryce and Brooklyn Larson, reported that they put together five meals and placed them at the Courthouse for families in need. Stacy Zoss read a thank you that was received. 

Tree decorating committee members, Ellie and Delaney, reported that they were able to get the tree decorated at the Community Center.  Shay Bechen, Hudson and Ramsey Fouberg reported that they were able to get the tree up and decorated at the courthouse in Woonsocket.  

Old Business:

A reminder that online registration is open for the current 4-H year. If there are questions, please reach out to one of the leaders or call the office. Getting registered online helps the office get important information out to families in a timely manner.

New Business:

Leaders returned the record books to club members as well as premium monies. Club members finished up several thank you notes during the meeting. 

The upcoming shooting sports safety meeting was discussed. Youth interested in shooting sports must attend one of the trainings to participate.   

Steve Zoss shared information about the upcoming “Capital for the Day” opportunity that 4-H members have been invited to.  Brookings and SDSU have invited 4-H members throughout South Dakota to attend Jan. 15 in Pierre. Youth interested must RSVP by Dec. 15 to Audra at the office.  Audra will work with youth to provide a letter for your school administration for an excused absence.  A bus will be provided for transportation. Parent supervision will be requested for young members.  

Steve also shared information about the Teen Leadership program that will be starting for youth 12-18 years of age (seventh through 12th grade).  Youth from Sanborn, Jerald/Buffalo, Aurora, Davison and Beadle counties are invited to attend.  More information to come.  

Sidney gave a report on 4-H camp from this summer.

Delaney gave a demonstration on “Caring for Your Rabbit” and “Rabbit Showmanship.”

Caleb Kneen gave a demonstration on “How to make S’more Cookies.”

The meeting was adjourned.  Youth and families enjoyed a meal hosted by the Christmas Party committee which included Cole and Kelly Wilson, Payton and McKenzie Uecker, and Mason Moody. After finishing the meal, Ellie organized the gift exchange.

The next meeting is scheduled for  Jan. 4, 2020, at the Letcher Community center.

Conducting talks were: Alexis, Cooper, Dean, Sidney, Miley and Toby.

…See photos in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.

The Town N Kountry Kids Red Crew 4-H Club met on Nov. 10 at the 4-H Building in Forestburg.

The meeting was called to order by President Xavier Baysinger. The Flag Pledge was led by Myles Larson, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Shiloh Senska. 

Roll call was led by Vice President Bailey Feistner with the topic, “What Is Your Favorite Thing to Eat on Thanksgiving?” which was answered by 28 members. The club welcomed new members, George and Corbyn Broer.

The secretary’s report was read by Secretary Brooklyn Swenson and approved as presented. The treasurer’s report was presented by Treasurer Evan Ohlrogge and approved as presented.

Health/Safety Officer Hope Baysinger encouraged club members to wash hands to stay healthy.

For reports, Avery Miller talked about what she shared at the 4-H School Assembly.  Hope Baysinger and Lane Burkel told us about their 4-H Letters to the Editor. Trevor Johnson and Sutton Senska reported on setting barrels. Tyson Eddy talked about Recognition Event. Emily Ohlrogge shared some results of the Shooting Sports fundraiser.

Leader Paula Linke explained some changes for Election of Officers to give more of the members the opportunity to serve in a leadership role. The 2019-2020 Club Officers were selected as follows: Co-President – Evan Ohlrogge and Megan Linke, Co-Vice President – Xavier Baysinger and Brooklyn Swenson, Co-Secretary – Emily Ohlrogge and Dilyn Brooks, Co-Treasurer – Bailey Feistner and Acaiya Schultz, Co-Recreation – Avery Miller and Trevor Johnson, Character – Hope Baysinger, Co-Health/Safety-Shiloh Senska, Ty Burkel and George Broer, and Photography – Lane Burkel.  

Under old business, the club decided that they would do two 4-H fun day activities, a trip to Air Madness and a bowling night at Starlight Bowling in Wessington Springs. Paula will work on dates.

Paula reminded the group to get registered in 4-H Online, and also to set goals to be able to apply for awards. She offered an incentive to get their talk or demonstration done early. Any 4-H member who does a talk or demonstration at a club meeting by the end of March, or does a county level public presentation, will be entered in a drawing to win one of two $25 cash prizes.

Under new business, the club discussed ideas for a Christmas Caring Project. They decided to do two projects, one to support the Humane Society and one to support the Sanborn County Food Pantry called Stuff the Stocking. Committee members were appointed as follows:  Humane Society Project – Hope, Bailey, Avery, Emmitt Feistner, Shiloh, Corbyn, Sutton, Trevor, London Metzger, Lane, Tyson and Anna Hunter; and Stuff the Stocking Project – Hope, Lane, Avery, Bailey, Emmitt, Xavier, Sutton, Tyson, and Kahle Johnson.  

The Red Crew decided to decorate a tree for the Courthouse Parade of Trees. After discussion of ideas, it was decided that each family purchase at least one set of gloves, a hat or a scarf to hang on the tree as decorations. After the tree is taken down, the winter accessories will be donated to the school to have available for kids who need them.

Shooting Sports will start with two options for registration/safety nights: Nov. 14 or Dec. 9.

Club members talked about scheduling a project day over Christmas break and need ideas. Sarah Larson has volunteered to lead a wood project.  They will continue to think of ideas and look for a date.

Past President Xavier adjourned the meeting.

Following the meeting, members worked on their “Pop Quiz” and “Just ‘Write’ For Us” gifts to celebrate American Education Week.  School teachers and staff each received a bottle of their favorite pop with a tag saying “Pop Quiz:  Who are the luckiest students around? We are!  We’re so lucky to have you at our school!” as well as a pen with a tag saying “You Are Just “WRITE” For Us! Thanks for all you do!” The night ended with committee members meeting  to make Christmas Caring Project plans.

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13 with a bowling party.

…See photos in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

Each year, Sanborn County 4-H selects a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to 4-H. For 2019, this honor went to Vickie Hines. Vickie served as a 4-H Leader for many years, including service as the Treasurer. By far, her most notable contributions are in the dog project area where she has volunteered hundreds of hours of time to teach 4-H members how to train and show dogs, and has also judged many 4-H dog shows at the local and state level. In recent years, the numbers in this project area had fallen very low in Sanborn County.  After hearing that there were many young members interested in the dog project, Vickie offered to hold weekly training classes this summer. This resulted in 17 4-H members enrolled in the Dog Project that practiced on a regular basis, and 11 members exhibiting at 4-H Achievement Days.  Weekly practice will again be scheduled in 2020. The 4-H Dog Project area is thriving again thanks to Vickie Hines and her commitment to our 4-H youth. 

…See a photo in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.